Nick Benz named CEO of Dogfish Head

Dogfish Head has added a new title to its executive ranks and recently promoted 11-year employee Nick Benz as the company's first chief executive officer.

Dogfish Head Founder and President Sam Calagione said Benz was promoted as the company adds an additional executive-level position.

“We are such a very dynamic company and we don't just do beer,” Calagione said. “[Nick] will have additional high-level leaders reporting to him. He's expanding at Dogfish, so we felt his title should reflect that.”

Calagione said the company currently has an open executive-level position for a new vice president of operations.

Benz, a Lewes resident, started with Dogfish Head as a consultant, moving up to chief financial officer and then chief operating officer before his newest promotion.

“As an entrepreneur, I've learned that to grow, you need to attract people whose skill sets complement your own as the founder and president of a company,” Calagione said. “Nick and my skill sets are very complementary.”

Calagione said Dogfish Head will remain a family-owned company. Dogfish Head employs about 200 people.

“I congratulate Nick – this is a great Horatio Alger American success story in that he started with this company when it was much smaller and in a more limited position,” Calagione said. “He's earned his way up this company every step of the way. I'm proud of him and excited for him.”